Cardiovascular role of urotensin II: effect of chronic infusion in the rat

Urotensin II (UII) is a potent vaso-active peptide thought to have multiple roles in the regulation of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. The actions of UII are complex and difficult to interpret given its systemic hemodynamic effects and variable action on different vascular beds and isolated vessels. Direct effects of UII on the myocardium, include myocyte hypertrophy, extracellular matrix deposition and contractility. These observations, together with elevated plasma levels found in disease, are common traits reported in other pathophysiologically implicated neurohormonal systems. In this review, we include original data obtained from chronic infusion of UII in rats. We report a reduction in first derivative of left ventricular pressure (+dP/dt), as well as an increase in the ratio of left ventricular collagen I:III, that may contribute to the reduced myocardial contractility observed in these animals.